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The Temple
The presence of Omni potent and Omni present power of lord is depicted in the form of an IDOL and the same is sanctified and installed as a deity by Yaga, Homa, Veda, Mantra, Yantra rituals at the place where we all call a temple. Regular performance of rituals, chanting of Vedas and sacred Mantras, offerings to the deity by praying will enhance energy within the Temple and also it will be contributed among the devotees who pray seeking bliss and peace into their lives.
Role of a Temple in the Society
Most cities in India were built by Kings, architects and craftsmen were ordered to build a temple first and then roads, drinking water wells and other amenities to raise a city. Temples were not only meant as places for worship but also thrived as institutions of Tradition, Culture and Spiritual awareness. Various discourses on these subjects were enjoyed by popular at large. The Temple premise held prime role in preserving and teaching lifestyle and also played vital role in providing Education, Medicine, Nourishment, Hospitality and Moral values.
Temples are the Cultural Centers
Temples were cultural centers, keeping our traditions and arts alive such as Burra Katha, Hari Katha, Classical Dances, Stage Plays, etc. and introduce devotion and faith to generations after generations. A temple is the source of power, source of solace, source of knowledge not only to the self but to the society, community, locality, region, and to the Nation. In one word the temple is a treasury, the idea that we were contributing to the temple was actually a reversal of temple contributing to the populace for social good.
Temples are the Scientific hubs
The Konark Surya Bhagawan Temple in Orissa, Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple in Kerala, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Sri Subramanya Swamy temple in Tiruchandur, Musical Pillars of Vittahala Temple in Hapmi, Floating Pillars of Veerabdhra Temple in Anantapur and the Thousand Pillar temple in Warangal many other ancient temples have been known to be the hub of scientific studies. The Architecture, Scientific, Meteorology, etc. secrets still remain mystical for present Hi-technology Scientists.
Ramappa temple, took 40 years to build. The classical pattern of being lifted above the world on a high star-shaped platform. Intricate carvings line the walls and cover the pillars and ceilings. Starting at its base to its wall panels, pillars and ceiling are sculpted figures drawn from Hindu mythology. The roof (garbhalayam) of the temple is built with bricks, which are able to float on water.
Mystical Powers of Temples
Even today we read about how miracles continue to happen in these temples which corroborate the presence and essence of God. But are such supernatural, extraordinary happenings taking place in famous temples such as Tirupathi, Sri Kalahasthi, Shiridi Sai Mandir only? What about smaller, lesser known and even nondescript temples?
Destruction of Temples once Glorified
Andhra Pradesh has over 35,000 temples. However, only the bigger temples such as Tirumala in Tirupathi, Srikalahasti, and Kanakadurga temple in Vijayawada and other 2500 rich and income generating temples seem to draw the endowment department's attention.
Endowment department, a Frankenstein created by us, whose methodology is leading to dilution of the sanctity, and piety of the temples. Authority in hands of different undeserving people who are just doing their duty as a profession at temples than having bondage with the temple has only created complexities, negligence leading to mismanagement.
Nearly 32,500 temples do not feature in the department's scheme of revenue generation. A few selfish and corrupt officials, atheists, Anti-Hindu elements have colluded with others to sell away lands and assets belonging to temples and making a fast buck. A majority of these temples do not even have priests to perform minimum daily rituals to the deity.
Every Temple, irrespective of its size and stature, is sanctified and has a deity installed by Yaga, Homa, Veda, Mantra, Yantra rituals and possess same divine powers, and are mystical energy sources. Among such temples, Chilkur Balaji Temple is a shining example. Today, Chilkur Balaji Temple is world renowned as Visa Balaji Temple, every devotee is blessed when they follow a simple ritual of 11 - 108 pradakshinas. Although, as per the legends, Lord Tirumala Tiripati Balaji has manifested himself in the Chilkur Temple shrine. For a period of 3 years, Chilkur Balaji Temple and the temple authorities faced major problems.
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